Farmers and supporters staged a nationwide show of opposition amid fears the EU-Mercosur deal could undermine Irish agriculture

Farmers from across Ireland are protesting the EU trade deal, warning it threatens livelihoods, food standards and market fairness

As the EU’s largest trade deal moves towards ratification, Irish farmers warn Mercosur threatens beef prices, standards and livelihoods

Ireland and France opposed the Mercosur agreement, warning it threatens farmers, food standards and the environment despite EU approval

On the 20th anniversary of the Cork-Shanghai twinning agreement, Micheál Martin met with Shanghai's mayor, who was effusive about his city's close ties with Ireland, and, in particular, Cork

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, the Irish Farmers’ Association, and Meat Industry Ireland all welcomed the decision

The decision will head off a potential revolt from both the Independents in Government as well as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil backbenchers

The beef has been recalled by the Food Safety Authority after entering the Irish food chain

Farmers drove about a hundred tractors into Paris on Thursday in protest at the EU’s intention to move forward with a free trade deal with five South American countries, the French interior ministry said.

Vote on the key trade agreement comes down to the wire

Junior minister Michael Healy-Rae said he and other Regional Independents were 'steadfast' in their opposition to the deal ahead of Government decision on the trade pact on Friday

The Government has long opposed the deal, which would see the EU sign a trade deal with South American countries